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Spider Armband

This one of a kind Spider Armband is an element of traditional southeastern regalia, which is still worn today by modern Chickasaw people.

Significance

According to our stories, the spider brought fire to humanity but as a consequence, it forever carries a burnt mark on its back.

Details

This armband features a carved spider cast in sterling silver set with a red sapphire to symbolize fire. It is surrounded by a motif taken from ancient shell carvings symbolizing feathers.

Dimensions

Coming Soon.

Collection

One-of-a-kind

Handmade in Los Angeles

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Sea Fan Earrings in Sterling Silver

Regular price
$890.00

These one of a kind Sea Fan earrings are set with 2mm green sapphires and 2mm blue tanzanite. The tops are adorned with blue sapphires set in 14k yellow gold.

Significance

These earrings are hand sculpted to echo the graceful forms of sea fans.

Details

The Sea Fan earrings are hand carved and cast in sterling silver, set with sapphires and tanzanite.

Dimensions

Coming Soon.

Collection

One-of-a-kind

Handmade in Los Angeles

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Pelican Bracelet

Regular price
$2,000.00

By employing the traditional technique of chasing and repoussé, I captured the grace of three pelicans surfing cushions of air along steep, unbroken waves. There is one pelican pictured in each silver panel.

Significance

These birds symbolize my home and family in California where I frequently surf with and observe pelicans and other sea life. In this piece I strove to capture the harmony and grace of the natural world.

Details

This bracelet is made of fine silver. and was featured in a Stardust Magazine editorial.

Dimensions

The bracelet measures 2.25"h x 3"w x 2.25"d

Collection

One-of-a-kind

Handmade in Los Angeles

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Coral Disk Earrings

Regular price
$950.00

Echos of the ocean inspire these delicate earrings fit for a mermaid. Our love of the sea and the intricate patterns of sea fans inspire the design.

These one of a kind earrings are handmade using sterling silver, 18k, 24k. sapphire, and aquamarine.

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Blood Bling Necklace

Regular price
$2,600.00

This piece is available for purchase, however It will be part of a traveling art exhibition beginning in 2018. Please contact info@kristendorseydesigns.com for more information.

Significance

Blood Bling comments on the play of superficiality and weight that Government Issued Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood Cards carry. An individual in possession of one of these cards is deemed a 'card carrying Indian.' The concept of 'blood quantum' is a European creation and did not exist in Indigenous communities. It is based on the racist notion that culture follows blood and that the european blood/culture is stronger and that the Native blood/culture, therefore the 'Native blood' would 'breed out'. This tool of colonization remains steadfast in contemporary American culture and negatively affects Indigenous peoples who must apply for their CDIB cards from the American government in order to prove their cultural identities. The irony of this is that no other ethnic or cultural group must apply for membership to the United States Government. The controversial cards are both a tool of power, yet are deemed necessary for native nations to identify true members. Each tribal government handles the blood quantum issues differently, however it remains a troubling and divisive issue for most Indigenous peoples on this continent.

Details

The hand carved frame is cast in bronze and is set with red, white, and blue cubic zirconia. A CDIB card was acid etched into sterling silver and then riveted into the frame. The piece has been selected to be featured in an upcoming anthology about blood quantum issues. The anthology will feature works from leading Native scholars, poets, and artists across Native America.